To NYC and Back Again
Anna Osgoodby Life + Design : To NYC and Back Again

I moved to NYC Labor Day weekend in 2010 with 5 suitcases, my pup, and my eyes wide for an adventure. I was 21, a year out of college ready to make a bet on myself. I promised my parents I'd only be moving back east for a year, but then years 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 quickly passed by. Now, a month shy of my 7-year anniversary it's time to say goodbye. Despite not always being New York City's biggest fan, it's always been pretty good to me, so closing this chapter certainly feels bittersweet.

When I first arrived, I was hooked on the energy and ambition of the city. Empire State of Mind was the ringtone on my phone and I was determined to be one of the ones who "made it here". New York was never a dream of mine, but rather an opportunity that fell into my lap. It came knocking twice that year, and on the second knock, I decided it was a sign I should give it a shot. I had only visited twice and didn't know any of the neighborhoods, but I had a job and a boss who helped me get settled. I was naive of so many things, but the one thing I had was determination and, at that time, it was enough for me. I'll never forget the feeling of flying into Manhattan that day and realizing that I was really going to live here. Ready or not.. it was happening.

I started over and moved into an apartment I had never seen, that was double my Portland rent, with a roommate I had never met before, just hoping for the best. There were so many things that could have gone wrong, but luckily, it all worked out. Our first weekend in NYC we jumped right into city living and went to Fashion's Night Out where I had my first experience of getting lost -- you know typical Anna. I walked around downtown for almost two hours trying to find my roommate, confused about how to catch a cab and wishing I had a smartphone I could get directions on. Even though I was lost and getting eaten alive by mosquitos (which is a whole other story), I couldn't have been happier just taking everything in. Eventually, I did find my roommate and a few friends who were visiting, and we walked up and down the streets of Chelsea like we owned the place. I remember passing Neil Patrick Harris and Joan Rivers and just being overwhelmed in the best possible way. That night was just the beginning and I couldn't wait to embrace everything the city had to offer.

After living here for about a month, I met someone who I would go on to spend nearly all my time in the city with. He was calm, cool and collected and was along for the ride of my adventures. We spent our free time checking out the latest and greatest restaurants we had heard about and he got used to waiting to take his first bite until I took pictures for my blog. We spent more weekends and holidays on Long Island than I could count with some of the sweetest people who I'll always consider family. We looked forward to afternoons spent at Central Park and even more so, the big smile that would be on Scooter's face when we walked him out there. Which it should be mentioned, I was always the actual third wheel in that relationship.

I can honestly say I watched more sports during our relationship than the first 21 years of my life combined, but I always looked forward to going to Yankees games aka Garlic Cheesies season. He taught me that NY pizza should be folded when you eat it and, what he would say, the proper pronunciation of Mario -- although that one is still up for debate. It's hard to find a page in my New York story that he wasn't apart of and he was my hardest goodbye. He was my rock and taught me that relationships didn't have to be hard and what it really meant to be life partners. It's not an easy thing to decide you want different things in life after being together so long, but sometimes the best thing you can do for someone you care about is to let them go. 

Beyond love, I met more amazing friends than I could have ever imagined. Year after year I built relationships with some of the kindest and most ambitious people who really got me. People from all over the country and walks of life who also decided to give New York a shot. We'd meet up for brunch, hang out in the park, go out for wine, and girls' nights were always some of my favorite memories. We took in all of the city had to offer, celebrated our wins, hugged it out during the tough times and gave each other a kick in the butt when we needed a boost. You guys held me together when I needed it the most and were my biggest cheerleaders every step of the way. NYC didn't always feel like home to me, but it was my family and friends that really kept me past year 1 and I hope each and every one of you know how much you mean to me. And while I know these will be lifetime relationships (I'm not that easy to get rid of!) not being a subway ride away from all of you is going to be really tough.

Not only was New York a big part of my life personally, but it was huge professionally. I can say for certain it was one of the best decisions I could have made. This city tested me in so many ways and opened the doors to opportunities I would never have had otherwise. It lit up my passion for writing when I started this blog, helped me work my way up in my career and later inspired me to have the courage to start my own business -- something I would have never thought I'd do. There's something about this city that changes you, builds your character and pushes you further than you ever thought you could go and for that, I'll be forever grateful. 

New York is definitely something special and even though I'm ready to go, I'm sure going to miss this crazy place for so many reasons. I'll close things out with a quote from the first blog post I ever published, “Too positive to be doubtful, too optimistic to be fearful, and too determined to be defeated.” It's one of my favorites to this day and one that I think summarizes how I viewed my time here, as well as my next adventure. Goodbyes have always been tough for me, but this one has truly taken everything I have to get through. To closing one chapter and writing another, goodbye NYC.

New York, This is Goodbye
Anna Osgoodby Life + Design :: New York, This is Goodbye

So, BIG news over on the blog today. It's with a lot of excitement/tears/let's be real... alllll of the feels that I announce I've decided to say farewell to NYC. It's been a really tough decision and one I've gone back and forth in my head for years on. After almost 7 years in the city and 10 years living out of state though, it's time to get back to my roots.

Personally, I think what's even scarier than making a decision is actually living through the pain and heartache of the process. It's often not the decision that holds us back, ultimately we know what we want, but actually living through the process to make that decision a reality that is so tough. Especially when others are involved. I hate hurting or disappointing others and this one is a double whammy on all accounts.

Year after year, I tried, and semi-successfully, convinced myself that I could be 100% happy in NYC. And I really thought I could be. After all, I'd built an awesome life, had the most amazing people in my life, and things had really lined up the way I wanted. Especially after I started my own business and was able to go coast-to-coast more. Instead of feeling content with the back and forth though, I just found myself yearning for more time. Those what ifs and thoughts of future regret will crush you though, and sometimes you just can't convince your head and your heart that you want the same thing.

I will forever be thankful for all of my time in the city and this will always be a chapter I'll look back on fondly. I've taken risks. I've loved. I've grown. I've met some of my absolute favorite people. I've both lost and found myself. This city has shaped the person I've become so much and it's going to be really tough to say goodbye.

So what's next? A hot date with a lot of moving details and 2,800 miles to think about if I made the right decision. Truthfully though, while I'm both sad and nervous, I am also really excited for the future. I'm excited to keep expanding my business at Bold & Pop, I'm excited for new adventures (and a lot more outdoors!), I'm excited to drive again, I'm excited to reconnect with some of my best friends, and most of all I'm excited to be a few minutes vs a 6-hour flight home from family. 

Washington, I'm coming home for keeps.

How to Survive a NYC Summer Without Looking Like a Melted Popsicle
Anna Osgoodby Life + Design NYC Lifestyle Blog :: How to Survive a NYC Summer Without Looking Like a Melted Popsicle

Just when we were starting to wonder if the weather was ever going to warm up (or stop raining for that matter), BAM 💥 summer arrived. I have a kind of love/hate relationship with summer. In the dead of winter there's nothing I want more than the sunshine, and then when it finally comes I'm wishing for cooler days. Does that make me an official New Yorker now?! Haha, jokes aside I am looking forward to picnics in Cental Park and rooftop drinks. So today I'm sharing some tips to survive summer in the city without looking like a melted popsicle. Because while I love popsicles, I don't want to look like one.

Anna Osgoodby Life + Design NYC Lifestyle Blog :: How to Survive a NYC Summer Without Looking Like a Melted Popsicle

Use Melt-proof Makeup

Add a little heat + humidity and what do you get? Makeup melt city! I have oily skin to begin with so finding makeup that will actually stay on my face all day is always a struggle. Add that summer factor and it turns into mission impossible. I was recently introduced to the cosmetic brand Paul & Joe though, so I decided I'd put it to the test.

I have to say their Perfect Makeup Primer, Gel Foundation, and Pressed Powder are quickly becoming some of my favorite products in my makeup bag. I've been using the primer and gel foundation as my daily go-to's and these two make a killer combination. Together they've already gotten me through some 90+ degree days. I really like the gel foundation too because it has a different texture than some of the other products I've tried. It's a great combination of feeling light (a must in the summer) while also providing enough coverage. I've also been packing the pressed powder in my purse, which is the perfect addition for touch-ups -- especially after coming out of the subway. With any makeup in the summer, you usually want to tone it down a little and these products have kept my face looking fresh without feeling like it's heavy.

Anna Osgoodby Life + Design NYC Lifestyle Blog :: How to Survive a NYC Summer Without Looking Like a Melted Popsicle

I've also become quite the lipstick addict in the last year. Something about a little lipstick just takes your look up a notch. I'm really into red but have also fallen in love with the Pink Balloon option, also from Paul & Joe. It's very Barbie pink looking, but it actually has more of a sheer look leaving your lips looking dewey. Perfectttt for summer!

Switch up Your Shampoo

Not that your face is under control, let's move onto your hair. Along with oily skin, I also have oily hair.. thanks genetics! So add some extra sweat and my hair can end up being a big 'ol greasy mess. Cute right? If you can relate you may definitely want to consider switching up your shampoo in the summer. Generally what I like to do is alternate between products a couple of times a week because it seems to help with keeping my strands extra clean. Sometimes I like to use a clarifying shampoo, but I'm also someone who colors their hair it's not always great to use it a lot. One brand I've really fallen in love with lately is Evo. It smells absolutely amazing and doesn't have a lot the yucky ingredients that a lot of other products do. Say bye bye sulphate, parabens, and all of that other junk.

Anna Osgoodby Life + Design NYC Lifestyle Blog :: How to Survive a NYC Summer Without Looking Like a Melted Popsicle

Step Away from the Hairdryer

If we're being totally honest here, having long hair in the summer you can pretty much count that my hair is either in a top knot or some sort of braid. My hairdryer definitely goes on vacation for a few months. On those lucky days where the temps stay belong 80 though it's nice to let your hair down.. literally. On those days I have two go-to's. The first is Suave's dry shampoo. I pretty much buy this by the case and it's even more necessary in the summer. One subway trip and your hair can take a beating in the summer so it's nice to perk your hair up a little mid-day or for evening outtings. I've tried just about every dry shampoo on the market and this is one of my favorites and is also one of the cheapest ones. Score! 

Anna Osgoodby Life + Design NYC Lifestyle Blog :: How to Survive a NYC Summer Without Looking Like a Melted Popsicle

Another product I love is Evo's Construction Cream. This product is great when I'm going for a casual beach hair look or soft curls. Normally, I shower in the morning, but in the summer I'll often shower at night and let me hair air dry overnight. The only downfall to that is I can get some pretty crazy kinks in my hair. This product is great though because it gives my hair a little more body so that any crazy kinks look totally intentional.  It really gives the perfect amount of texture without weighing it down! As with the brand's shampoo, this product smells amazing too! Double win!

That Cute Outfit.. it Better be Sweat-proof!

My outfits in the summer are entirely picked based on how sweat-proof they are. It only takes one summer of living in NYC to learn the parts of your body you didn't think it was possible to sweat. Who knew the back of your knees and wrists could sweat 😱 Gross? Oh totally, but also SO true. So if there's one final tip I will share it's that you may want to consider that when you pick out your outfit on those extra hot days. I'm sorry, I don't care how cute that cotton grey or light blue maxi skirt is.. it's not happening on that 95-degree day. I'm all about breathable fabrics and airy dresses. Keeping cool, while styling along the way!

Do you have any other must-know tips for surviving the summer in the city? I'd love to hear them in the comments below!


**Disclaimer: Paul & Joe and Evo provided me with complimentary samples of their products to test out. This post and all opinions stated are based on my own ideas and honest experience with the product and has not been influenced based upon the sponsorship.